It really boggles the mind.
The National Energy Board is already in the midst of a terrible public-confidence crisis, yet the Stephen Harper government decides to appoint an industry expert whose work is the keystone economic argument for Kinder Morgan’s pipeline expansion. (See related story at www.burnabynow.com.)
It begs the question: Was this complete incompetence or something more sinister? Surely those who choose Steven Kelly as the newest member of the NEB knew he had submitted evidence on one of the biggest files currently before the board. Surely they knew Kelly’s appointment would upset members of the public who are losing faith in the board. (The NEB is clearly in damage control mode now.)
The NEB tells us the decision was not theirs, yet the chair, Peter Watson, was consulted. So, it’s not like the Conservatives didn’t know Kelly’s appointment would be seen as a major conflit of interest. We understand the board needs industry experts to review these incredibly complex and technical files, but appointing Kelly was the worst possible move.
Robyn Allan, an intervenor who withdrew from the hearing in May after deciding the game was rigged, told CBC, “Regrettably, I’ve come to the disturbing conclusion that the outcome is predetermined and the NEB is putting the health and safety of the Canadian economy, our society and environment in harm’s way.”
Allan is no wild-eyed tree hugger. She is the former president and CEO of ICBC. Her words ring truer every time the NEB takes any action.
Apparently, the NEB believes in some principles, since they decided to discard the hired gun’s expert testimony for Kinder Morgan and postpone the hearing. Although the fact that they will allow Kinder Morgan to find someone else to present such evidence again points to incredible collusion.
Even if you are a huge supporter of Kinder Morgan’s plan for a new pipeline running through Burnaby to the inlet, surely you would recognize that the process for examining the plan is flawed, when the government is appointing pro-pipeline experts.
The NEB is clearly not set up to protect citizens or respect community rights, but is it too much to expect fair play and some objectivity?
Apparently where the Harper government was – or is – concerned, it is too much to expect.
